MAX search with parallel verification for frame synchronization

This paper proposes a novel frame acquisition method for continuous transmissions in TDM/TDMA systems. The approach is based on a multi-dwell procedure, with approximate maximum likelihood criterion (MAX) applied in search mode, followed by a parallel threshold crossing (TC) verification stage. The particular case of single TC verification and the conventional all-TC procedures, which perform TC also in search mode, are considered for comparison. A thorough performance analysis is presented exploiting the flow-graph approach, along with numerical results. The proposed method allows achieving a gain in terms of mean frame acquisition time with respect to other solutions, with no significant complexity increase.